Public Health Status Update for 09/18/2026 | Marin County Coronavirus Information

Marin County Public Health (MCPH) protects our community by promoting health, preventing disease, and preparing for public health emergencies.  The MCPH Public Health Status Update is released on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to provide news and resources concerning public health priorities.

For additional public health insights across California, subscribe to Your Local Epidemiologist – California, authored by Marin County’s former Public Health Officer. 👉 https://yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com/

Food Safety Matters as Norovirus Activity Rises in Marin

This National Food Safety Education Month, Marin County Public Health is reminding residents that food safety starts close to home. Local wastewater surveillance is showing increased norovirus activity in Marin, signaling more illness circulating in our community. Norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne gastrointestinal illness. Marin County Environmental Health Services (EHS) helps protect residents by permitting and inspecting local restaurants, markets, food trucks, and other food vendors. Licensed food businesses must meet standards for safe food handling, employee health, temperature control, and sanitation. These safeguards help prevent foodborne illness. Think something you ate made you sick? Report suspected foodborne illness to Marin County EHS online or call 415-473-6907. Include where and when you ate, what you ate, when symptoms began, and whether others became ill. Prompt reporting helps EHS identify potential outbreaks and prevent additional illnesses.

Beat the Season: Why Fall Vaccination Matters

CDPH and the West Coast Health Alliance are urging Californians to get vaccinated now, as flu, COVID-19, and RSV begin circulating in fall — well before winter fully arrives. Recommendations focus on protecting the most vulnerable: young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, people in congregate care settings, and healthcare workers. This season's flu vaccine includes updated strains to better match circulating viruses. The FDA approved the 2026–27 COVID-19 vaccine on August 27th; while rollout timing is unclear, the 2025–26 formulation still offers solid protection. RSV vaccination is a one-time dose recommended for adults 75+, and for those 50–74 with elevated risk factors like heart or lung disease, weakened immunity, diabetes, or cancer. All CDPH-recommended vaccines are covered by California-regulated insurance. Find a clinic through My Turn, your healthcare provider, or your local pharmacy.

Keeping the Conversation Going: Suicide Prevention Beyond September

As Suicide Prevention Awareness Month comes to a close, Marin County’s message remains: Connection Saves Lives. Suicide prevention requires year-round awareness, connection, and access to support. There are still opportunities this September to build suicide prevention skills. Upcoming trainings include Preventing Firearm Tragedies in Intimate Relationships, Talk Saves Lives for Parents, and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR). Register at tinyurl.com/sphope. The conversation should not end with September. Check in with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors, and help connect people to support when needed. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. Learn more about suicide prevention and local trends through the Marin County Suicide Prevention Data Dashboard.

Corte Madera Council Votes 3-2 to End Tobacco and Nicotine Sales

The Corte Madera Town Council voted 3-2 last night to adopt an ordinance ending the sale of tobacco and nicotine products, with an exemption for FDA-approved cessation aids. Council members Beckman, Ravasio, and Vice Mayor Casissa voted in favor; Mayor Thomas and Councilmember Andrews voted no. Public comment included testimony from Smoke-Free Marin Coalition members and six Redwood High School students in TUPE (Tobacco Use Prevention Education), a school-based program on nicotine addiction. Opposition came from state and national tobacco industry representatives and some of the town's tobacco retailers, who raised concerns about impacts on small businesses. The ordinance does not prohibit personal purchase, use, or possession of tobacco or nicotine products; it restricts commercial retail sales within town limits. Learn more at cortemadera.gov/1386/Tobacco-Nicotine-Sales-Ordinance-Updates

Health Coverage Changes Ahead for Low-Income Marin Adults

The Governing Board of the County Medical Services Program (CMSP), which provides health coverage to low-income Marin adults who do not qualify for Medi-Cal or Covered California, held its first public hearing on September 18, 2026, on proposed changes to the program. Residents can check eligibility or apply for CMSP at BenefitsCal.org. Proposed changes include revised income and asset eligibility limits, reinstated share-of-cost requirements, and reduced benefits in areas such as behavioral health, dental, and vision care. These proposals respond to anticipated Medi-Cal enrollment losses under federal H.R. 1. A second and final public hearing is scheduled for October 5, 2026. Community members may submit written comments to info@cmspcounties.org.

Mark your Calendars: AlertMarin Countywide Test - September 26

On Saturday, September 26 at 10:00 AM, Marin County will conduct a countywide AlertMarin test to help ensure the system is ready to deliver critical information when emergencies occur. The test will be sent to everyone registered for AlertMarin. As we prepare for peak wildfire season and the potential impacts of El Niño, staying connected to emergency alerts is an important part of preparing for severe weather and other emergencies. You can now also sign up for optional Notification Groups for topics that may not meet the threshold for an emergency alert, including

Significant Weather Alerts

Coastal Flooding and King Tides

Riverine and Creek Flooding

Prescribed Burns

Significant Traffic Disruptions

Notification Groups are not location-based. Anyone who subscribes to a group will receive those notifications regardless of where they live. Log into your AlertMarin account and select the notification groups that best meet your needs. Learn more and make sure you’re ready for the test: MarinCounty.gov/AlertMarinTest

Community Infectious Disease Monitoring

Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
Marin County’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard brings together local data on COVID‑19, influenza, and RSV in one easy‑to‑use resource. It helps residents and providers track trends and stay informed about seasonal virus activity.

Wastewater Surveillance
Marin County Public Health’s Wastewater Surveillance program monitors infectious diseases by testing our community’s sewage. This early‑warning system provides valuable insight into virus levels and supports timely public health action.

Resource Link Library

Public Health

CDPH’s Respiratory Viruses Hub provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Find materials and information to help answer vaccine questions and concerns on Marin County Public Health’s Vaccine Resources page.

Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing

Access to Care

Get free, confidential help to explore your health coverage options and enroll through Covered California at: https://www.coveredca.com.

You can search for nearby Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — community clinics that offer low-cost or free health care — at: https://aliadoshealth.org/health-centers/

Learn about health coverage options for low-income adults through the County Medical Services Program at https://cmspcounties.org/healthcare-within-reach/.

Nutrition Security

Access free groceries and home-delivered food through the SF-Marin Food Bank’s Food Locator and emergency programs, with help available by calling or texting (415) 824-3663 or emailing help@sfmfoodbank.org.

Community Supports and Services

Information and Assistance: Call (415) 473-INFO (4636) or visit Marin County's Online Community Resource Guide

The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line: Call (415) 473-6666.

Public Benefits

BenefitsCal.com is a one-stop-shop to apply, renew, or manage health care coverage, food assistance, and cash aid.

You may qualify for California WIC if you live in California, are pregnant or caring for a child under 5, and meet income guidelines or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh. Use the WIC eligibility assessment to check your eligibility.

Marin County Coordinated Entry System for Persons Experiencing Homelessness

Individuals: Call (415) 473-HOME (4663)

Families: Call Homeward Bound of Marin at (415) 457-2115

Stay Informed